Personal items and clothes

[Louisa8]

Hi, I am a new host and I am getting ready for my first guests next week. I rent out my entire home, which I normally live in with my two daughters. I've made it clear this is a family home, that two of the bedrooms are children's rooms - they seem OK with that. My question is, how much personal stuff/clothes in cupboards etc should I clear out? They are only staying 2 nights so not sure if this is necessary. Any advice? Also photographs, etc, do you remove them?
Thanks!
Louisa

[Mala0]

Hi...

I think as long as you are very clear on what you are renting and wardrobe space then all should be fine.. sadly some folk do not read and then mention these things in feedback.

I get luggage racks and leave hangers out of two of my rooms

maybe buy a clothes rail, get door hooks that you hang over the door and luggage racks and leave hangers out.. Those coming for two days dont unpack, those coming for longer will want space.  They can keep their small items in suitcase on luggage rack.

just take out all valuables, passports, documents, bills etc that should not be accessible to strangers in your home. or anything else of value.

Dont sweat the cupboard space.

Mala 

[Marit-Anne0]

I had a "surprise booking" last November - we were going away for two weeks and I opened up the dates and got a booking for a week.  In this case I emptied one wardrobe for the guests and left the second for our own items.  I made it very clear that one wardrobe contained our things and they accepted and even left a nice review.  

In my other property I store some of my personal belongings in boxes at the top top of the wardrobes and the rest I store away in my storage room as I expect that guests would want to find room to hang their clothes and place their suitcases.  Even with house exchanges we are supposed to clear wardrobe space for the guests, so this must be the bare minimum I think.  Photos are nice and would only be a reminder that it is a home rather than a bone rental.  

To put it in the reverse - would you be happy to arrive at a rental property full of personal items ? Are you happy with strangers poking through your underwear drawer ?

[Peter524]

Personally I think this is the thing I least like about using Air B&B.  I don't like checking into a place and then go to unpack and the drawers and wardrobes are full of the owner's undies and personal stuff.   It just feel weird.  My wife prefers hotels because of this. The less there is of the owner's personal clothing, photos, etc, the better I feel.